June Birchbox

I know, I'm almost late on this post!  It's amazing how these summer days just get eaten up by little things.  So as I wait for my oil change to be finished up, let's talk Birchbox this June.

Many months get cute themes and June was all about "Away We Go"

Personally this just reminds me that I'm staying put this summer, which is not my norm, but I was excited to see what items they thought would be good travel buddies.

Do you find these items travel essentials? Other than their handy size, I'm not sure they top my list matching the theme, but I am excited.  Which am I most excited by???  Glad you asked ;)

#1 Cynthia Rowley Creamy Lip Stain.
I have been eyeing Cynthia Rowley products for a while now.  I can't get enough of that adorable packaging so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I discovered this goodie in my box.  It happened to be my last sample pulled out.  The color is fun and bright making it a perfect summer pick.

#2 Evologie Stay Clear Cleanser.
I'm a cleanser junkie.  I've yet to discover that one face wash that just blows my socks off making me curious and a bit "too" excited to get a new one ;)  I'm even more excited since this wash is all about getting rid of those pesky break outs.  As much as I hate to admit it, my skin hasn't been to happy with me as of late, so maybe Birchbox box will have given me a solution.  Fingers crossed.

#3 Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect.
Birchbox appears to have decided my favorite brand is Number 4.  It seems every box I have a sample from them, which is starting to feel a bit excessive.  That being said, this is a useful product to get especially during summer.  My poor hair needs all the protection it can get from all this sun.

The other samples didn't make my top list for a few reasons.  I actually have a full sized and sample of Benefit's they're real mascara.  I was a bit surprised with this sample since it has made it's way around the beauty world for a few years now.  Don't get me wrong, I will definitely use it up but I would have preferred a something different from the amazing brand of Benefit.  Regarding the fragrance, it's alright.  I'm quite picky about smells and prefer clean scents.  Once again this is my second month in a row receiving a fragrance sample.

Just in case you're wondering, here is Birchbox's write up on my samples this June:

Overall this was pretty good month.  If I gave it a grade (since I am a teacher) I think it would a B- mostly due to all the repeat brands and product types.  I received a sample from Cynthia Rowley last month as well as Number 4 Hair.  Oh and it looks like my July box is repeating another set of products: Cynthia Rowley Lip Stain and Ruffian Nail Polish!  With so many duplicates and twins, I'm starting to wonder if Birchbox is worth the money.  I am looking for some variety and don't hate repeat brands, but they shouldn't ever be in back to back boxes.

There you have it!  My thoughts on June's Birchbox.  Hope your day is filled with sunshine :)
xo Amy

Beauty Steal: Sephora Samples + Flash Shipping

Hey there lovelies!  I hope your Thursday has been painless, just think tomorrow is Friday.  That is always a good sign :)

Today I'm sharing a little trick of mine.  About a year ago, Sephora asked if I wanted to become a "my flash" member.  For a small fee, I get free, 2-day shipping on all my orders.  I LOVE this feature because it allows me to buy one product at a time, get 3 samples, and take advantage of special offers without always having to spend 50 dollars.  Sounds pretty great right?

Well it's about to get just a little better!

If you haven't noticed, I love getting samples and am subscribed to a few monthly beauty boxes.  I even wrote a post on which subscription is right for you.  Most start at 10 dollars and include 3-5 samples.  Here is my trick to get 3 samples for just a dollar.

Since I am a bit obsessed, I love to check Sephora daily to see what samples they are offering.  I'm always seeing if a favorite is featured or something new that grabs my interest.  Before this was just out curiosity; however, now it is me shopping.  When I find a good day, I put the samples in my cart and then head over to my other favorite spot "sale."  Most days I can find the ribbon hair tie for just a dollar.  Personally I love these hair ties as they don't snag my hair and look sporty & cute.  With my flash shipping, these hand picked samples and my dollar hair tie get shipped to me super quick.

Now that is a beauty steal :)

Here is my most recent delivery.

I choose a neutral color tie since I typically always purchase bright ones.  Also I'm thrilled to try the red clay mask; it had great reviews!

Dior is such a lovely brand especially with lippies.  Plus I never pass up a sample with more than one color or you know, FOUR ;)

My final sample is a Living Proof trio.  This sample was recently featured at Ulta as a bonus with a $25 Living Proof purchase.  Here I paid only a buck to try it along with the others.

I hope all your beauty addicts can take advantage on my discovery.  If nothing else, check out Sephora's sample offering before clicking purchase.  Some days are much better than others.  If you can wait a few days, I would until your samples feel worth it.  Also if you are interested in the flash program click here to read more about it and enroll!

Happy (early) Friday!
xo Amy

Foil Packet Trick

Groan.
Grunt.
Sigh.  Double Sigh.
These are often noises you'll hear from me when I start interacting with foil packet samples.  While I LOVE, Love, LOVVVVE to sample new products and do just about anything to score some, I really loose my mind trying to get product out of these.  After you have fought with that innocent "tear here" mark and have manically searched for scissors, you find that you end up with time wastes, product everywhere, and perhaps have pitched that sample.

Ready for some good news?  The solution is simple and will help you fall in love with these frequent freebies.

I like my solutions simple, materials need minimal, and cost low.  So here you just need your sample and a straight pin.  I imagine a push pin would do in a pinch although you will lose a bit of your control.

All you need to do is simply slide the straight pin into the foil packet making sure not to pierce through both sides.

 This creates a tiny hole to squeeze product through giving you complete control on the amount used.  Gone are the days you have wasted sample with a big squeeze or have sticky product on the edge of a packet tempting you to pitch the mess. It also keeps air from getting into the packet helping the shelf life your sample!  I've gotten weeks out of open packets with no change to the consistency of primers, gels, moisturizers, or foundations!

I love using the trick because I truly get every last drop of sample out and typically more uses out of that tiny foil packet.  Plus if I am traveling with a packet (I know who would subject themselves to such madness), I can just wrap it in tissue and I barely get any leakage.  To me that is quite a happy ending to the once villain in my beauty sampling story.

I hope you can use this trick to bring back a little love for these foil freebies.
xo Amy

June Ipsy Bag

Hello lovelies!  How goes it?  I spent my day with a few friends having a late breakfast at our favorite diner and then seeing 22 Jump Street.  I always enjoy a good comedy especially one with Channing Tatum.

My mom and I have a tradition of opening our Ipsy bags together and I thought I would share my goodies with you.  I always like to see what others have received and hear what they have to say about the products.

June Products:

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray {$3} full size $9

Be a Bombshell Lash Out Mascara {$15}

OFRA Eyebrow Pencil in Universal {$13}

NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée {$5}

Realtree for Her Fragrance full size $25

Lots of fun, full sized products this month in the Pretty in Paradise bag.  I think I am most excited to try the Dream Waves Beach Spray.  I love having textured waves and good beach spray can really help create a bit of curl in my hair.   The scent is delicious pineapple and coconut making me dream of Pina Coladas on a beach :)

Also I have been quite obsessed with my brows recently so trying a new pencil is intriguing.  The consistency is quite creamy and soft.  Plus the color suites my brows well.  Bonus! It appears a touch dark for my mom, but with a little blending it will work for her as well so perhaps it is a true universal color.

On the right is the OFRA brow pencil in universal while the left swatch is the NYX butter gloss in creme brûlée.  It is my favorite shade from them so I find it a great bonus to have a back up.  If you haven't tried their glosses before, you should especially if you have an Ulta around and can get them on sale.  The smell is a yummy vanilla and the color is a gorgeous neutral pink.

The value of my Pretty in Paradise bag is over 36 dollars which is a great value.  I definitely will use all of the products although I am least excited over a fragrance sample.  I am quite picky about perfumes preferring clean, fresh scents.  I've yet to try the mascara although the brush seems the simple corkscrew style and smells quite chemically which makes me a bit apprehensive.  Hopefully the product will outweigh the unpleasant scent.

Here is the adorable summery print designed by Rebecca Minkoff.

In the next few days I will reveal my June Birchbox and Beauty Army products.  Perhaps we can have a battle of the boxes!  Until then have a great week.  I know I will watching the World Cup :)

xo Amy

Whitaker Music Festival

This Wednesday had the pleasure of the most stunning day and by good fortune had a fun activity planned to take full advantage.  If you live in the St. Louis area, you have no doubt heard about the Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.  This free event allows for beautiful scenery and fun music all for free.  Here a few pictures to give you a taste.

Of course no picnic is complete without yummy nibbles!

I made this addictive dip after a friend brought it to our end of the year party.  She had found it from our favorite place: PINTEREST!  Here is the original recipe. I did substitute the sour cream for low-fat Greek yogurt to make it a bit more healthy as well as changed up the corn ratio: 1 can of mixed sweet corn, 1 can of corn with peppers, and 1 can with poblano peppers.  Finally I sprinkled in some paprika and cilantro for added flavor.  Delish!  I love these recipes because it mostly dump, stir, and chill...doesn't get easier than that!

Of course no picnic is complete without a little something sweet.  This came in the form of chocolate chip banana cookies!!!!  Again here is the original recipe found from pinterest. I did all the suggested healthy substitutions: whole wheat flour, applesauce, and honey.  Next time I might do a mix of brown and white sugar or perhaps just add a bit more banana.  It was great munching on a healthy treat which I may have even snuck in a few for breakfast the next morning!

I hope you are taking advantage of the lovely summer warmth with friends and family.  

Happy Friday!